Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 253-9421
Ernie is the 57 year old son of Vernon and Pauline Phillips of Coolridge, West Virginia. A 1968 graduate of Shady Spring High School, he received the "Citizen of the Year" award and also a scholarship to Beckley College, where he received an A. B. A. Degree in Business Administration. Ernie later
attended The Electronic Computer Programming Institute in Charleston, WV, where he received a
Certificate of Achievement upon completion of the course.
A letter from Washington requesting duty for God and country, placed Ernie in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in South Carolina, Georgia, and Baumholder, Germany. While in Germany, Ernie worked as a Missile Repair Parts Specialist and Radio Relay Technician, resulting in an Army Commendation Medal for working two jobs at the same time. After military service, Ernie worked at the VA Medical Center in Beckley, West Virginia, as a Supply Specialist and Warehouseman.
Ernie sang with several local church groups from Beckley for a period of five years. Joining a popular gospel quartet, The Crossmen, from Beckley in 1975; he sang tenor with them on weekends for two years.
In 1977, Ernie joined The Kingsmen Quartet of Asheville, North Carolina, and sang tenor with the group as they traveled throughout the United States for the next seven years. During this period, Ernie was nominated as favorite first tenor by the Singing News Fan Awards for six years. He won the tenor award in 1980 and 1981. Ernie also wrote a column "Kingsmen Korner" for the Singing News gospel music publication, for six years. Before returning to the solo ministry, he joined team efforts with Squire Parsons to assist with scheduling and singing. Ernie's most recent recording project, Jesus Gave Me A Song," reflects the ministry outreach, and is available wherever he appears in concert.
Affectionately known as "The Little Giant" , Ernie is currently employed as a Supply Technician at the VA Medical Center in Asheville, NC., where in 1995 he was awarded "Employee of the Year."
Ernie is married to the former Bonnie Edwards from Crab Orchard, West Virginia. Ernie has one son, Eric Dean, age 27, and two daughters, April Dawn who is seventeen years old, and Stacey Renee who is fourteen years old. All the family are members of Trinity Baptist Church, Asheville, N.C.